STROBE

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LIGHT
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LISTED
FOR MODELS SL 177I and SL177
Strobe Light
User’s Guide
ATTENTION! The model SL177 and SL177I strobe lights are designed to notify hearing
impaired individuals of impending danger, they have no detection means and MUST be
used in conjunction with operating Smoke, Heat, or Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
The model SL177I AC wire-in Strobe light can be directly interconnected with Kidde Safety
3-wire Smoke, Heat and CO alarms. It will produce an intermittent flash pattern (approxi-
mately 4 flashes, followed by approximately 5 seconds off) when triggered by a Carbon
Monoxide alarm and a steady flash when triggered by a smoke or heat alarm.

The model SL177 is a 2-wire device that can be used to add strobe light capabilities to
existing alarm systems produced by other manufacturers. A relay module or suitable switch-
ing device ( not included), which is compatible with the alarm system will be needed to
energize the strobe light. Consult the alarm manufacturer to obtain the proper switching
device for your specific alarm model.
Thank you for purchasing this strobe light. It is an important part of your family’s home
safety plan. You can trust KIDDE Safety to provide the highest quality safety products. We
know you expect nothing less when the lives of your family are at stake.

For your convenience, write down the following information. If you call
our Customer Hotline, these are the first questions you will be asked.

Strobe Light Model Number(located on back of device)

SL771 SL771I

Date Code (located on back of device)

Date of Purchase

Where Purchased
IMPORTANT! READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLATION AND SAVE THIS
MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
WARNING! THIS VISUAL SIGNALING DEVICE HAS NO DETECTION MEANS. IT
MUST BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH OPERATING ALARMS.
WARNING! DO NOT TRY TO REPAIR THIS STROBE LIGHT YOURSELF. THIS DEVICE
USES HIGH VOLTAGE AT ENERGY LEVELS THAT CAN KILL. REFER TO THE
INSTRUCTIONS IN SECTION 11 FOR SERVICE.
WARNING! DISCONNECTING OR LOSS OF AC POWER WILL RENDER THIS SIGNAL-
ING DEVICE INOPERATIVE.
WARNING! THIS STROBE LIGHT IS EXTREMELY BRIGHT. DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY
AT THE LIGHT OR TOUCH THE LENS WHEN THE LIGHT IS FLASHING.NG.
CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL
1 -- SPECIFICATIONS
2 -- APPLICATIONS
3 -- RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS OF STROBE LIGHTS
4 -- LOCATIONS TO AVOID
5 -- INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
6 -- OPERATION AND TESTING
7 -- MAINTENANCE
8 -- LIMITATIONS OF SIGNALING DEVICES FOR THE HEARING
IMPAIRED
9 -- GOOD SAFETY HABITS
10 -- NFPA PROTECTION STANDARD 72
11 -- SERVICE AND WARRANTY

1. SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER SL177I ( 3 WIRE INTERCONNECT UNIT )

ELECTRICAL RATING; Special Application 110-130 VAC
Maximum Operating RMS Current 420 mA

Note: This device was only tested over the range 110-130 VAC. Do not take 80% and110% of these
ratings into account during installation as this was not tested for.
 Multiple station (24) interconnect unit, interfaces directly with Kidde Safety
Ion Smoke Alarm models:
Photo smoke alarms:
Photo / Ion smoke alarms:
Heat Alarm models:
CO/ Ion Smoke alarm models:
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Model:
- FLASH RATE (smoke alarm event)
FLASH RATE (CO alarm event)
1235, 1235CA, 1275, 1275CA, 1285, 1285CA
PE120, PE120CA,
PI2000, PI2000CA
HD135F, HD135FCA
KN-COSM-IB , KN-COSM-IBCA
KN-COB-IC, KN-COP-IC
Constant 1 flash per second nominal
Intermittent 1 flash per second nominal (approximately 4
flashes, followed by approximately 5 seconds OFF)

MODEL NUMBER SL177 ( 2 WIRE DIRECT CONNECT UNIT )

ELECTRICAL RATING Special Application 110-130 VAC
Maximum Operating RMS Current 389 mA
Note: This device was only tested over the range 110-130 VAC. Do not take 80% and110% of these
ratings into account during installation as this was not tested for.
FLASH RATE Constant 1 flash per second nominal
MODEL NUMBER SL177I & SL177
TEMPERATURE LIMITS 32oF (0oC) TO 120oF (49oC)
MOUNTING Wall or Ceiling,
APPLICATIONS Primary Direct or Indirect and Supplementary
LIGHT OUTPUT 177 Candela minimum. (on axis measurement)

The following diagram shows that the light intensity gradually decreases as the Viewing angle is
increased. Use this information to determine the best location for the strobe light.

LIGHT 90°
SOURCE
CEILING
90° 90° PERCENT ANGLE
(LIGHT INTENSITY) (IN DEGREES) 45°
100 0
90 5-25
75 30-45
45° 45° 55 50 LIGHT
45 55 0°
40 60 SOURCE
0° 35 65 WALL
35 70
30 75
30 80 45°
25 85
25 90
90°
2. APPLICATIONS
PRIMARY DIRECT Locate the strobe light on the ceiling in the center of the room
AND INDIRECT or on the wall a minimum of 80"(2 m) above the floor.
VISIBLE SIGNAL For rooms larger than 250 sq. ft. (14 ft by 16 ft - 4.27m by
4.88 m) the notification device should be located within 16ft
(4.88m) of the pillow.
SUPPLEMENTARY The strobe may be located less than 80" (2 m) above the floor.
VISIBLE SIGNAL

3. RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS OF VISUAL SIGNALING

DEVICES
• Locate the first strobe light in the bedroom in which the hearing impaired individual sleeps. If the
bedroom door is kept closed at night, an interconnecting smoke detector must also be installed in
that bedroom.
• Locate additional strobe lights in any lived-in room where a hearing impaired individual would need
to be notified of an alarm condition.

4. LOCATIONS TO AVOID
¥ In direct sunlight or high ambient light areas ( The bright light may reduce ones ability to notice the
strobe light)

• In areas where the temperature may fall below 32oF or rise above 100oF
• In areas with high humidity
• Avoid outdoor locations (This device is not listed for outdoor use).
5. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
"READ CAREFULLY" WIRING REQUIREMENTS:
• This Strobe Light should be installed on a U.L. listed Junction box. All connections should be made
by a Qualified electrician and must conform to Article 760 of the U.S. National Electrical Code, NFPA
72, Underwriters Laboratories standards 217 and 1971 and / or any other codes having jurisdiction
in your area. If this strobe light is being installed to comply with The Americans for disabilities Act
refer to that act for any applicable requirements.
• he appropriate power source is 110-130 Volts A.C. single phase supplied from a non-switched cir-
cuit, which is not protected by a ground fault interrupter.
MODEL SL177I WIRING INSTRUCTIONS: For A.C. QUICK CONNECT 3 WIRE HARNESS.
CAUTION! TURN OFF THE MAIN POWER TO THE CIRCUIT BEFORE WIRING THE STROBE
LIGHT.
1. When Strobe lights and alarms are interconnected, all the interconnected devices must be powered
from the same circuit.
2. A. maximum of 24 Kidde Safety devices may be interconnected in a multiple station arrangement.
The interconnect system should not exceed the NFPA interconnect limits of 12 smoke alarms and /
or 18 alarms total (smoke, heat, Carbon monoxide, etc). With 18 interconnected alarms it is still
possible to interconnect up to a total of 6 remote signaling devices and / or relay modules.
NOTE: WHEN MIXING MODELS WHICH HAVE BATTERY BACKUP (1275, 1285, PE120, PI2000, KN-
COSM-IB , KN-COB-IC, KN-COP-IC and HD135F) WITH MODELS WITHOUT BATTERY BACKUP
(1235, SM120X AND SL177I), BE ADVISED THAT THE MODELS WITHOUT BATTERY BACKUP WILL
NOT FUNCTION DURING AN A.C. POWER FAILURE.
4; The maximum wire run distance between the first and last device in an interconnect system is 1000
ft.
5; Figure 1 illustrates interconnection wiring. Improper connection will result in; damage to the strobe
light or alarms, failure to operate, or a shock hazard.
6; Make certain that all devices in the interconnect system are wired to a continuous (non-switched,
non-GFI or GCFI protected) power line.

FIGURE 1"INTERCONNECT WIRING DIAGRAM FOR SL177I.

WIRE ON STROBE LIGHT HARNESS------CONNECTED TO
BLACK ----- HOT SIDE OF AC LINE
WHITE -------NEUTRAL AC LINE
RED ----------INTERCONNECT LINES (RED WIRES) OF THE OTHER
UNITS IN THE MULTIPLE STATION SET UP.
FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER

L
N

WIRE NUT
OR
EQUIVALENT RED RED RED
RED
WHITE BLACK WHITE BLACK BLACK WHITE BLACK
WHITE

SMOKE ALARM STROBE LIGHT HEAT ALARM CO ALARM

FIGURE 1
MODEL SL177 WIRING INSTRUCTIONS: For A.C. QUICK CONNECT 2 WIRE HARNESS.
Figure 2 illustrates the proper SL177 wiring. Improper connection will result in; damage to the strobe
light or alarms, failure to operate, or a shock hazard.
WIRING DIAGRAM FOR SL177.
WIRE ON STROBE LIGHT HARNESS ------------------------ CONNECTED TO
BLACK ---------------------- HOT SIDE OF AC LINE
WHITE ------------------------ NEUTRAL AC LINE

FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER

SWITCHING DEVICE USED WIRE NUT OR

TO CONTROL THE EQUIVALENT
OPERATION OF THE
SL177 STROBE LIGHT WHITE BLACK

FIGURE 2

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS;
• A trim ring is provided on the back of the strobe light. This trim ring is installed on the
electrical box between the electrical box and the strobe light.
• Remove the trim ring from the back of the strobe light by holding the trim ring and
twisting the strobe light in the direction indicated by the "OFF" arrow on the cover.
CAUTION THIS UNIT IS SEALED. THE COVER IS NOT REMOVABLE! After selecting the
proper strobe light location as described in section 3, and wiring the AC QUICK CON-
NECT harness as described in the WIRING INSTRUCTIONS, attach the trim ring to the
electrical box (See fig. 3).
• Use a screwdriver to punch out only the pair of holes in the trim ring that match your
type of electrical box or plaster ring. Mount the trim ring to the electrical box using the
appropriate holes. NOTE: Use the circle, square, and octagon markings near each
mounting hole in the trim ring to help you select the correct mounting holes (see fig. 3)
• Pull the AC QUICK CONNECTOR through the center hole in the ring and mount the
ring, making sure that the mounting screws are positioned in the small ends of the
keyholes before tightening the screws. (See fig. 3)
• Plug the AC QUICK CONNECTOR into the back of the strobe light, (see fig. 4) mak-
ing sure that the locks on the connector snap into place.
• If you have finished all the WIRING, AND TRIM RING MOUNTING STEPS, You can
install the strobe light on the trim ring. Alignment marks are provided on the side of
 the strobe light and on the Install the strobe light on the trim ring with the indicating
marks aligned and rotate the detector in the direction of the ON arrow on the cover
until the strobe light snaps in place. (See fig. 5)
• Turn on the AC power, The model SL177I strobe light has a green AC power on indi-
cator which should be lit when the strobe is operating from AC power.

SELECT PROPER MOUNTING HOLES ON THE TRIM RING

Rectangular Circular Octagonal

plaster ring plaster ring electrical box
FIGURE 3

TAMPER RESIST LOCKING PIN; To make your strobe light somewhat tamper
resistant a locking pin has been provided with your strobe light. Using this pin will deter
individuals from removing the strobe light from the trim ring. To use the pin insert it into
the hole in the side of the strobe light after the strobe light has been installed on the trim
ring (see fig. 6). NOTE the tamper resist pin will have to be removed in order to remove
the strobe light. This can be done easily with a long nose pliers. Using the long nose pli-
ers, pull the pin out of the hole, it is now possible to remove the strobe light from the
trim ring.
After installation TEST your strobe light by following the test procedure outlined in sec-
tion 6.
CAUTION! Early warning fire detection and visual notification is best achieved by the
installation of fire detection and visual notification equipment in all rooms and areas of
) the household as follows: A smoke alarm and visual notification device installed and
interconnected in each separate sleeping area, and visual notification equipment inter-
connected with heat, smoke, or CO alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens,
hallways, attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility storage rooms, basements, and attached
garages.
6. TESTING AND OPERATION
WARNING! THIS STROBE LIGHT IS EXTREMELY BRIGHT. DO NOT LOOK
DIRECTLY AT THE LIGHT OR TOUCH THE LENS WHEN THE LIGHT IS
FLASHING.
TESTING: Test by pushing the test button on one of the controlling alarms
and hold it down for a minimum of 5 seconds after the alarms sounds. This
will allow the controlling device to sound an alarm if all the electronics, circuit-
ry, and horn are working. The controlling alarm will also send an activation
signal through the interconnecting wiring to the strobe light, and cause the
TO REMOVE AC ALIGNMENT
CONNECTOR MARKS
SQUEEZE TAMPER RESIST
LOCKING ARMS LOCKING PIN
AND PULL

INSTALL REMOVE

FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6

strobe light to flash if strobe light and the interconnection wiring are working
properly
If no alarm sounds check the fuse or circuit breaker supplying power to the
alarm circuit.
If the alarm sounds but the strobe light does not activate, refer to section 5
to insure that the strobe light is wired properly.
TEST THE STROBE LIGHT AND YOUR ALARMS WEEKLY TO ENSURE
PROPER OPERATION.
OPERATION: The strobe light is operating once AC power is applied, and testing is
complete. When the strobe light is activated, it will flash for as long as the controlling
alarm remains active.

7. MAINTENANCE
STROBE LIGHT REMOVAL:
IF TAMPER RESIST PIN HAS BEEN USED, REFER TO "TAMPER RESIST LOCKING PIN"
IN SECTION (5) FOR PIN REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS.
CLEANING YOUR STROBE LIGHT:
To clean your Strobe light remove it from the mounting bracket and disconnect the A.C.
Quick Connect power harness as outlined in section 5.
You can clean dust from your strobe light by using a vacuum cleaner hose and vacuuming
around the cover and lens openings on the strobe light.
The outside of the strobe light can be wiped with a damp cloth.

AFTER CLEANING, REINSTALL YOUR STROBE LIGHT AND TEST YOUR STROBE
LIGHT BY ACTIVATING ONE OF THE CONTROLLING ALARMS

8. LIMITATIONS OF ALARM CONTROLLED VISUAL SIGNALING

DEVICES.
VISUAL SIGNALING DEVICES CAN PROVIDE EARLY WARNING TO HEARING IMPAIRED
INDIVIDUALS AT A REASONABLE COST; HOWEVER IN ORDER FOR THE VISUAL SIG-
NALING DEVICE TO FUNCTION IT MUST BE ACTIVATED BY AN OPERATING ALARM.
ALARMS CANNOT PROVIDE AN ACTIVATION SIGNAL TO THE VISUAL SIGNALING
DEVICE IF SMOKE, HEAT OR CARBON MONOXIDE DO NOT REACH THE SPECIFIC
ALARM. THEREFORE, ALARMS MAY NOT SENSE A CONDITION ON A DIFFERENT
FLOOR ,OR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF A CLOSED DOOR. ALARMS DO HAVE LIMITA-
TIONS. AC POWERED ALARMS WILL NOT OPERATE IF AC POWER HAS BEEN CUT
OFF BY AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OR AN OPEN FUSE.
HOME EMERGENCIES DEVELOP IN DIFFERENT WAYS AND ARE OFTEN UNPRE-
DICTABLE. NO ONE TYPE OF CONTROLLING ALARM; HEAT, FIRE (IONIZATION OR
PHOTOELECTRIC) OR CARBON MONOXIDE IS ALWAYS BEST. FOR MAXIMUM PRO-
TECTION ALARMS MUST BE INSTALLED IN EACH SLEEPING AREA, AND ON EVERY
LEVEL OF A HOME. ALARMS MUST BE
INTERCONNECTED WITH EACH OTHER AND THE SIGNALING DEVICES AND BE
TESTED REGULARLY TO INSURE THE ALARMS AND INTERCONNECTING CIRCUITS
ARE IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION.
IN A UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES STUDY, THIS TYPE OF VISUAL SIGNALING
APPLIANCE WAS ONLY SUCCESSFUL IN WAKING 92 % OF THE SLEEPING RESPON-
DENTS.
HEARING IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT SEE THE VISUAL WARNING DEVICE IF
WALLS, DOORS, DISTANCE, HIGH AMBIENT LIGHT, OR OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS
BLOCK THE STROBE LIGHT. IF THE STROBE LIGHT IS LOCATED OUTSIDE THE BED-
ROOM OR ON A DIFFERENT FLOOR, IT WILL NOT WAKE UP A SOUND SLEEPER. THE
USE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS MAY ALSO IMPAIR ONES ABILITY TO RESPOND TO
THE VISUAL SIGNAL.
ALTHOUGH VISUAL SIGNALING DEVICES CAN HELP SAVE LIVES BY PROVIDING
AN EARLY WARNING OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION , THEY ARE NOT A SUBSTI-
TUTE FOR AN INSURANCE POLICY. HOME OWNERS AND RENTERS SHOULD HAVE
ADEQUATE INSURANCE TO PROTECT THEIR LIVES AND PROPERTY.

9. GOOD SAFETY HABITS

DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE:
_ Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two (2) escape routes
from each room. Second story windows may need a rope or chain ladder.
_ Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what to do in
case of fire.
_ Determine a place outside your home where you can all meet if a fire or carbon
monoxide alarm occurs.
_ Familiarize hearing impaired persons with the visual signal and train them to leave your
home when they see it.
_ Practice a fire drill at least every six months. Practice allows you to test your plan
before an emergency. You may not be able to reach your children, It is important they
know what to do.
_ Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home, and in the kitchen
basement and garage. Know how to use a fire extinguisher prior to an emergency

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE VISUAL SIGNAL IS ACTIVATED:

_ Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts, so don't waste time get
ting dressed or picking up valuables.
_ In leaving, don't open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or if you see
smoke seeping through cracks, don't open that door! Instead use your alternate exit. If
the inside of the door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be
ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
_ Stay close to the floor if the air is smokey. Breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if pos-
sible.
_ Once outside go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
_ Call the fire department from your neighbors home - not from yours!
_ Don't return to your home until the fire officials say that it is all right to do so.
There are situations where detectors may not be effective to protect against fire as stated in the NFPA
standards 72.
For instance: Smoking in bed; Leaving children home alone; Cleaning with flammable liquids, such as
gasoline.
Further information on fire safety can be obtained in a pamphlet titled "IN A FIRE SECONDS COUNT"
published by the NFPA, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Mass. 02269.
10. NFPA REQUIRED PROTECTION
For your information the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72, provides information regard-
ing the fire detection equipment required within the family living unit. And reads as follows:
Smoke alarms shall be installed outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bed-
rooms and on each additional story of the family living unit including basements and excluding crawl
spaces and unfinished attics. In new construction a smoke alarm should be installed in each sleeping
room.
This represent the minimum number of alarms required by this standard. It is recommended that the
householder consider the use of additional smoke or heat alarms for increased protection for those areas
separated by a door from the area protected by the required smoke alarms.
The recommended additional areas are living room, dining room, bedroom(s), kitchen, attic (finished or
unfinished), furnace room, utility room, basement, integral or attached garages, and hallways. However,
the use of additional alarms remains the option of the householder". This equipment should be installed
in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72 (NFPA Batterymarch Park,
Quincy, Mass. 02269).

11. SERVICE AND WARRANTY

If after reviewing this manual you feel that your Visual Signaling Device is defective in any way, do not
tamper with the unit. Return it for servicing to: KIDDE SAFETY,1394 S. Third St., Mebane, NC. 27302
(See Warranty for in-warranty returns).
 FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
KIDDE Safety warrants the original purchaser that the enclosed Visual signaling Device will be free
of defects in material and workmanship or design under normal use and service for a period of
five years from the date of purchase. The obligation of KIDDE Safety under this warranty is limited
to repairing or replacing the Visual Signaling Device or any part which we find to be defective in
material, workmanship or design, free of charge to the customer, upon sending the Visual
Signaling Device with proof of date of purchase, postage and return postage prepaid to: Warranty
Service Department, Kidde Safety, 1394 South Third St, Mebane, NC 27302.

This warranty shall not apply to the Visual Signaling Device if it has been damaged, modified,
abused, or altered after the date of purchase or if it fails to operate due to inadequate AC electri-
cal power.

THE LIABILITY OF KIDDE SAFETY OR ANY OF ITS PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS

ARISING FROM THE SALE OF THIS VISUAL SIGNALING DEVICE OR UNDER THE TERMS OF
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT IN ANY CASE EXCEED THE COST OF REPLACEMENT
OF THE VISUAL SIGNALING DEVICE, AND IN NO CASE SHALL KIDDE SAFETY OR ANY OF ITS
PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAM-
AGE RESULTING FROM THE FAILURE OF THE VISUAL SIGNALING DEVICE OR THE BREACH
OR THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, EVEN IF THE LOSS IS
CAUSED BY THE COMPANIES NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT.

Since some states do now allow limitations on the duration of an implied warranty or do now
allow the exclusion of limitations or incidental or consequential damages, the above limitation or
exclusions may not apply to you. While this warranty gives you specific legal rights, you may also
have other rights which vary from state to state.

The above warranty may not be altered except in writing signed by both parties hereto.

QUESTIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call our Consumer Hotline at

1-800-880-6788

or contact us at our website at

www.KIDDEUS.com

1394 South Third Street

Mebane, NC 27302